Choose from 4 Fun Things to Do in Fiordland Milford Sound
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Doubtful Sound
While tour buses may flock to neighboring Milford Sound, the wild landscapes of Doubtful Sound are equally enchanting and much less crowded. Framed by looming cliffs and dotted with rocky islets and tumbling waterfalls, this natural fjord is three times longer and has 10 times more surface area than Milford Sound. It is also centrally located at the heart of Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Basics
Helicopter and small-plane flights offer spectacular aerial views of the fjord and the surrounding national park, while those interested in seeing the fjord from the water can embark on a catamaran cruise around Doubtful Sound, setting sail from Deep Cove. Tours run from Te Anau, Manapouri, and Queenstown, and often visit other natural wonders such as Manapouri Lake, the Te Anau Glowworm Cave, Dusky Sound, and the Wilmot Pass en-route to the fjord.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The weather in Doubtful Sound can be unpredictable, so prepare for wind and rain even in summer.
- If hiking, wear comfortable shoes and bring water and snacks—there are limited places to purchase supplies.
- Cell phone coverage is limited, but free Wi-Fi is available at the Fjordland National Park Visitor Center.
- Most Doubtful Sound cruises are wheelchair accessible, but not all activities within Fiordland National Park are accessible to those with limited mobility, so it’s best to check in advance.
How to Get There
Doubtful Sound is located on the southwest coast of New Zealand’s South Island. The fjord can be reached from Manapouri, a town roughly 100 miles (170 kilometers) by road from Queenstown, a drive of about 2.5 hours. The journey includes a ferry ride across Lake Manapouri, followed by a bus ride over the Wilmot Pass. It is also possible to arrive by helicopter. The nearest international airport is in Queenstown.
When to Get There
Summer (December through February) is the most popular time to visit Doubtful Sound, but the area is open year-round. Winter visitors will be at the weather’s mercy and there will be fewer departures to choose from, but tours are often cheaper and the snow-covered landscapes make for some stunning scenery.
Wildlife Spotting at Doubtful Sound
Here you can spot rare Fiordland crested penguins and New Zealand fur seals, especially on the fjord’s islands. Be on the lookout for southern right whales, orcas, and humpback whales as you cruise through the fjord, and look down to spot black coral beneath the water.
Address: Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Admission: Free
From $ 188
Milford Sound Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory
For as stunning as the Milford Sound scenery can be when viewed above the water, there’s an entire other, underwater world that visitors rarely see. Thankfully, the Milford Sound Discovery and Underwater Observatory allows visitors to journey beneath the waves without even getting their hair wet. After descending over 30 feet beneath the Milford Sound surface, see rare species of black coral and schools of colorful fish, all from the air-conditioned, protected enclosure of the underwater observatory. Aside from simply catching a glimpse of the underwater environment, travelers can also visit the discovery center that’s located above the surface, and hear the ancient Maori history of Milford, or Piopiotahi. There are even videos of terrifying avalanches crashing down on the Milford Road, and documentaries showing the struggles of building the Milford Tunnel.
Practical Info
The Milford Sound Discovery Center and Underwater Observatory are offered as add-ons to Southern Discoveries cruises within the Sound. It’s the only floating structure in the Sound, and accessing the bottom of the underwater observatory requires walking down 64 steps.
Address: Harrison’s Cove, Milford Sound 9600, New Zealand
Hours: Open daily 9am-4pm
Admission: Adults: $36; Children: $18
From $ 33
Lake Manapouri
Stunning Lake Manapouri surrounded by the majestic Cathedral Ranges and dotted with thirty-four islands, is beautiful and impressive. The mountains, which make up the north, south and west sides of the lake, descend into the water creating lovely waterfalls and isolated sandy coves perfect for swimming and picnics.
The small town of Manapouri (pop. 300) lies on the east coast and is the major jumping off point for people heading to Doubtful Sound as it can be reached by boat from the Waiau River which feeds the lake.
There are a number of walking tracks around the lake, including the well known Manapouri Track which leads you up Mt. Titiroa to take in the beautiful lake views before finishing with a swim in the lake. Lesser known walks include Percy’s Pass and Dusky Track.
Fishing is also popular on the lake and suits the experienced and novices alike. If you’re after a workout then kayaks are available depending on the weather.
Practical Info
The lake is outside your door if you’re in Manapouri, otherwise it is a 15 minute drive from Te Anau or 2.5 hour drive from Queenstown.
Address: Manapouri, New Zealand
Admission: Free
From $ 188
Fiordland National Park
Sprawling along New Zealand’s southwest coast, Fiordland National Park represents the country at its most photogenic: jagged mountains, rugged glacial valleys, and glittering fjords. This UNESCO World Heritage Site harbors some of New Zealand’s most impressive natural wonders, including Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, and Lake Te Anau, as well as rare Fiordland penguins, dolphins, seals, and sea lions.
The Basics
Whether you’re soaring over Milford Sound in a helicopter, taking a scenic cruise along Doubtful Sound, or hiking the famous Milford Track, there are ample opportunities for adventure in Fiordland National Park. Tours typically start out from Queenstown or Te Anau and visit must-see attractions such as Mitre Peak, the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, Dusky Sound, and Manapouri Lake.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Weather in Fiordland National Park can be temperamental, especially around the fjords, so be prepared for wind and rain—even in summer.
- If you’re hiking, remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are limited places to purchase supplies.
- There is no public transportation within the park, so you’ll need to join a tour if you don’t have your own transport.
- Cell phone coverage is limited, but free Wi-Fi is available at the Fiordland National Park Visitor Center.
- Some cruises and attractions are wheelchair accessible but not all activities within the park are accessible to those with limited mobility, so it’s best to check in advance.
How to Get There
Fiordland National Park stretches over 3.2 million acres (1.2 million hectares) along the southwest coast of New Zealand’s South Island. The nearest international airport is in Queenstown, roughly 107 miles (172 kilometers) by road from the park’s main entry points—the lakeside towns of Te Anau and Manapouri. Fiordland National Park can also be accessed from Milford Sound, which lies roughly 178 miles (287 kilometers) by road from Queenstown.
When to Get There
Summer (December through February) is the most popular time to visit Fiordland. Cooler spring and autumn temperatures make for great hiking, fewer crowds, and lower prices. Winter visitors will be at the weather’s mercy, but the park’s snow-covered peaks offer some spectacular scenery. Hikers should be aware that the Milford Track is only maintained from October through April, and lodges and facilities will be closed outside of this time.
Outdoor Activities in Fiordland National Park
Fiordland is one of the best destinations for hiking in New Zealand, with three of the country’s Great Walks running through the park—the Milford Track, the Kepler Track, and the Routeburn Track, as well as a huge variety of short walks. Other outdoor activities include kayaking around Doubtful Sound, jet boating or fishing along the Waiau River, cycling or horseback riding around the lakes, and skydiving in Glenorchy.
Address: New Zealand
Admission: Free
From $ 32